Transboundary Project Coordinator at WWF Zambia

Are you a dynamic, innovative and impact driven individual who would like to contribute to conservation? Then you are the candidate that WWF (The World Wide Fund for Nature) is looking for. WWF is an International Non-Governmental Organization that deals with conservation of nature. Our mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.

Duty Post: Lusaka but with significant transboundary travel in Angola, Botswana, Namibia and Zambia

Duration and nature of the appointment: The appointment will be for 2 years, subject to a probationary period and extendable as necessary to reflect ultimate completion date of the project.

The Role:

Under the overall responsibility and direct supervision of WWF Zambia’s Freshwater program Team leader and with technical support from the Senior Hydrologist, the Kwando Transboundary Project Coordinator (TPC) will oversee implementation, coordinate with WWF-US administrative and technical staff in Washington, DC, manage and guide the team of partners and stakeholders involved in this program, and lead technical and financial reporting to USAID. The TPC will also coordinate the required technical and administrative support to guide project activities and ensure effective management of project funding resources to ensure the project achieves its goals, cost effectiveness and sustainability.

Main Responsibilities:

• Leading development and monitoring of the annual Work Plans and budgets of the project, as well as a project close-out plan, and adhering to WWF ZCO budgeting and approval processes (this will include timely preparation and implementation of monthly budget requests and retirements), and project financial tracking and reporting in coordination with the Finance office;
• Undertaking standard project management tasks as appropriate including the management and supervision of contracts with consultants and partners.
• Maintaining records and monitoring project activities and their progress and impact outcomes, with the support of the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer; as well as keeping a record of minutes, decisions and recommendations of meetings and workshops;
• Providing overall technical and management guidance to stakeholders and partners on capacity building activities for local communities and organizations for resilient water resources management and climate change adaptation;
• Supporting the identification of corporate actors and partners with an interest in supporting sustainable investments in the basin and setting up of platforms and partnerships for engagement and collaboration to investigate bankable project options for this area;
• Organising meetings, regional workshops and other inter-country activities in collaboration with ZAMCOM (to be rotated among the countries as appropriate) including workshops for sharing information and experiences in thematic areas, training workshops and exchange visits among stakeholders and project sites, in accordance with the annual work plan;
• Providing overall guidance to the in-country project focal points in the execution of the project in the participating countries to ensure quality and timeliness of project work;
• Supervising experts/contract institutions as required to undertake project tasks of a regional transboundary nature in accordance with annual workplan;
• Ensuring effective liaison and maintaining good communication with regional partners and other stakeholders, including participation in the mobilization of additional co-financing with partners and donors; and,
• Coordinating the synthesis of outcomes and results and preparing and disseminating reports and guidance on best practices, approaches and mechanisms for policy, governance and management interventions; and,
• Completing timely reports to senior management and project donors, including quarterly, annual, and final reports.

Required Qualifications, Skills and Competencies

• A Bachelor and Masters’-level degree in an appropriate field in natural resources management, agriculture, geography, civil/water engineering or related field;
• At least 5 years of experience in natural resource management role, good project management skills and proven ability to show initiative, work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Good interpersonal skills with experience in networking with partners at all levels (government, donors, private sector, NGOs and local community based organizations)
• Experience working with or in international and donor organizations, particularly USAID, with implementation of participatory projects;
• Proven written, analytical, presentation and reporting skills and demonstrated computing skills; working in a multi-cultural context and the ability to respect and work well with people from different cultures and backgrounds;
• Excellent communication skills in English – including writing, speaking and listening. Knowledge of Portuguese is an added advantage;
• Adherence to WWF’s values: Knowledgeable, Optimistic, Determined and Engaging; and,
• Exemplification of WWF’s key behaviors: Strive for Impact, Listen Deeply, Collaborate Openly, and Innovate Fearlessly.

Line Management:

The incumbent will report to the Freshwater Program Team Lead. As well as being an integral part of WWF-Zambia Freshwater Team. The post-holder will be expected to work closely with the Senior Hydrologist, M& E Officer and other colleagues in the WWF Zambia office, including the (thematic) project leaders and across programs.  He/she will also work in close partnership with colleagues across the WWF Network, especially WWF Namibia, WWF US, and other relevant offices such as the WWF Freshwater Practice.

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